Adelphi, Leeds

The Adelphi stands prominently at the southern edge of Leeds city centre, where Briggate crosses the River Aire. Its tall curving brick-built frontage, granite-clad at ground floor and with sandstone detailing, makes it the most imposing, outwardly, of Leeds' surviving late Victorian 'gin palaces'. It was built as a pub and hotel in 1901 to designs by Thomas Winn, a local commercial architect who was also responsible for the Cardigan Arms and the Rising Sun. Inside, the Adelphi preserves its multi-roomed interior and much of its original etched glasswork, joinery and tiling.

The main entrance is to a central lobby drinking area, with tiled walls, original terrazzo floor and a grandly-rising open staircase which is itself nicely detailed. To the right is a large front lounge and smaller rear saloon, both with impressive original fireplaces. To the left, the large public bar with its extensive curved counter was sub-divided in the 1980s with a sympathetically designed wood screen. Both the front rooms are lit by large fine etched glass windows. Upstairs is a sizeable function room of plain design, once a ballroom, and additional floors which are no longer used. The Adelphi was given recognition by Tetleys in 1978 as one of their first 'Heritage Inns'.